Ecollywood: Odds and ends

"Jaws" gave audiences a reason not to go in the water, and a new movie from director Barry Levinson and the producers of "Paranormal Activity," also set in a seaside town on the Fourth of July, will no doubt do the same. A horror film with an environmental disaster theme, "The Bay" is frighteningly scary because it's grounded in real-life issues, pollutants that have actually shown up in the Chesapeake Bay. The movie takes that a step further, positing that toxic waste has caused bacteria to proliferate and given rise to flesh-eating parasitic isopods that first attack fish, and then humans. A cast of unknowns and the device of telling the story from the POV of a survivor three years later in documentary style, using a variety of found footage, gives "The Bay" a unique look and a real feel. It hits theaters and VOD Nov. 2.

Tune in: The PBS "Independent Lens" documentary "Solar Mamas" depicts the efforts of educators at India's Barefoot College to teach women from poor rural communities about solar engineering and take that knowledge back home with them. Hosted by Stanley Tucci, the film airs Nov. 5.

Hallmark Channel goes to the dogs with canine-themed programming leading up to the "2012 Hero Dog Awards" on Nov. 8. Kicking off on Nov. 6 with the movie "101 Dalmatians," followed by the Hallmark originals "Puppy Love" and "You Lucky Dog," it continues with the film "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" and Hallmark original "Accidental Friendship" on Nov. 7. One more film airs after the Hero Dog Awards: the holiday-themed "A Dog Named Christmas."